Microsoft has agreed to transfer some patents to Xiaomi, ahead of plans by the Chinese smartphone maker to enter the U.S. and other advanced markets.

The deal with Microsoft also involves Xiaomi’s bundling Microsoft Office and Skype on its Android smartphones and tablets, according to a statement issued by Microsoft on Tuesday.

The smartphone company has agreed to buy about 1,500 patents from Microsoft, according to the Wall Street Journal. Xiaomi is also signing a cross-licensing agreement for some other patents with Microsoft.

“Expanding the Xiaomi-Microsoft partnership: new deal for Office & Skype pre-install, IP cross-license and patent transfer agreement,” Hugo Barra, vice president for  Xiaomi’s global division, wrote in a twitter message.

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